Odd intonation problem. Help!

GeneralElectric · #1 08-23-2008, 02:36 PM

So I got a new set of LaBella Jamerson Signatures for my Bill Nash P-Bass. I put them on, then I noticed that the nut wasn't actually in the bass so I glued it in. Put the strings on and set the intonation.

I got ADG strings, but there is a problem with the E string! Its constantly sharp on the 12th fret by a lot (its a third of the way to being an F) and I tried adjusting the saddle by moving it backwards, and the situation didn't improve, and now I'm out of space to move and its still sharp.

Any help?

Bobster · #2 08-23-2008, 03:59 PM

GE,

Make sure the E string is coming off the tuning peg shaft as low as possible.

That's sort of a design issue w/Fender-style basses (flat headstock, no backward tilt). The string needs to break fairly sharply behind the nut. That's why a more of basses (especially 5's) are starting to use the bars across all the strings.

Loosen the E, push it all the way down on the peg, tighten and retune. That should get it.

Bob

XylemBassGuitar · #3 08-23-2008, 04:28 PM

GE,

Try what Bobster recommended first (good suggestion Bobster). If that doesn't work, here are a couple of other possibilities:

1) Make sure the E-string is properly contacting the saddle. Press the E string down into the saddle groove, make sure it isn't riding on top of the groove, and that it's not too big for the groove. Also, check to see if the string is contacting any point other than the saddle near the bridge.

2) Those are kinda big strings, make sure they fit snug in the grooves of the nut (but not too snug). If they don't, you may need to have the nut slots widened. Make sure the E-string isn't sitting really high in the nut slot (this can cause intonation problems).

3) If your last set of strings was significantly lighter than the new set, you may need to re-adjust the relief (upbow) of the neck with the truss rod. Since heavier gauge strings put more tension on the neck, they can create more relief. The result of the extra relief is that the string must travel further to contact the fret, causing it to be stretched more. The extra stretch can cause the fretted notes to be sharp.

Note: If you don't have experience adjusting truss rods properly, you should consult a professional luthier/repair tech in person before making any adjustments. Truss rods are relatively easy to damage and expensive to fix.

Pardon the assumption if you do know how to adjust truss rods.

4) Since you had to re-glue the nut, check it over for anything that seems out of the ordinary (i.e. is it sitting higher than it used to?)

5) It is possible that the E you got in that package is just a bad string. Sometimes defects in a string can throw off your intonation (if the string stretches a lot due to a defect, it can make your intonation sharp, like in this situation).

Good luck, let us know how it turns out!

Mr.Phil · #4 08-23-2008, 04:37 PM

I use these strings on my p bass, and the E is always a little sharp around that area... I wonder what the issue is.

XylemBassGuitar · #5 08-23-2008, 05:11 PM

That's really weird that you have the same problem Mr. Phil...

Interesting....

GeneralElectric · #6 08-23-2008, 10:49 PM

I already tweaked my truss rod before I put my strings on. It had nickel rounds on when I got it used, tightened it up, and after one other adjustment, it worked fine. Its been sitting about a week since I did it, and I just decided to do the set up this afternoon finally.

I'll be fooling around with the string in the morning. I'm too tired to be fiddling with bass set ups.

babaseen · #7 07-24-2009, 02:25 PM

I have the exact same problem with my Nash P when I put the LaBella Jamerson's on...can't intonate the E (even put the saddle all the way back without the spring and it is still sharp). The other strings have the saddles back more, especially the A which has the saddle as far back as it can go with the spring, which effects the ability to lower the saddle. I brought it to a well known guitar tech in Winchester, MA to see if he could fix it. We started to look at the new Fender P basses he had on the wall and it became obvious that the bridge on the Nash is too far forward. Looks like Mr. Nash's reference '63 P bass may have a flaw.

I get the bass back this afternoon and will update the final outcome.

Mr.Phil · #8 07-25-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babaseen

I have the exact same problem with my Nash P when I put the LaBella Jamerson's on...can't intonate the E (even put the saddle all the way back without the spring and it is still sharp). The other strings have the saddles back more, especially the A which has the saddle as far back as it can go with the spring, which effects the ability to lower the saddle. I brought it to a well known guitar tech in Winchester, MA to see if he could fix it. We started to look at the new Fender P basses he had on the wall and it became obvious that the bridge on the Nash is too far forward. Looks like Mr. Nash's reference '63 P bass may have a flaw.

I get the bass back this afternoon and will update the final outcome.

I think its a problem with the strings. I've spoken to other players about this, one of whom even claims that Jamerson's E string was sharp! I wouldn't become overly concerned about the Nash bridge placement, especially if it was being compared to a NEW Pbass.

LowEndDrew · #9 07-25-2009, 08:40 AM

Well, it's not a Pbass, but my Laguna Ocean 5string (cort artisan A5) is having some of these same issues. The E string is off and the B string is horrible; at the 12th fret it's just below C

LowEndDrew · #10 07-25-2009, 09:04 AM

well now i feel dumb

. I just messed with the truss rod a little bit more (turned it about half a turn tighter) and now it seems much better. I find this odd since i had spent almost a half an hour with the truss rod the other day. Talkbass is just magic i think

babaseen · #11 07-28-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Phil

I think its a problem with the strings. I've spoken to other players about this, one of whom even claims that Jamerson's E string was sharp! I wouldn't become overly concerned about the Nash bridge placement, especially if it was being compared to a NEW Pbass.

It is my belief IMHO that Mr. Phil and his "other players" are mis-informed. Just wanted to give a shout out to other Nash P bass owners that your bridge and other items may not be well placed (to keep this civil). The good news is, if you can get this taken care of by a good tech (or yourself) it can become a serious player...I'm just pointing out that Mr Nash makes better guitars than he does basses (but it's all workable).

again IMHO